Silkworm silk fibres (SEM) C014 / 2150

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Silkworm silk fibres (SEM) C014 / 2150

Silkworm silk fibres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the silkmoth which has been domesticated from the wild silkmoth Bombyx mandarina. The domesticated silkmoth (Bombyx mori) is now completely dependent on human rearing as it does not occur in the wild but it can still breed with the wild silkmoth Bombyx mandarina and often produces hybrids. The larva prefers to eat leaves of the white mulberry but will eat leaves from other mulberry trees. They are veracious eaters and molt 4 times before going into the pupa phase of their life cycle. This is when they spin silk from their salivary glands and wrap themselves in it making a cocoon for protection when they are nearly motionless and most vulnerable. Each cocoon can have a thread of raw silk from 300 to around 900 meters long. Magnification x2120 (x525 at 10cm wide)

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 9273563

© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Bombyx Mori Cocoon Domesticated Fibre Fibres Materials Pupa Silk Silk Moth Textiles Thread Threads Mulberry Tree Salivary Glands Silk Worm

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of silkworm silk fibres, as captured through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The image reveals the vibrant colors and delicate structure of these remarkable threads. Silkworms are the larval stage of silkmoths, specifically the domesticated species known as Bombyx mori. While they have been bred by humans for centuries, they still retain the ability to breed with their wild counterparts, Bombyx mandarina. Silkworm larvae exhibit a voracious appetite and undergo four molting stages before entering their pupa phase. During this transformative period, they produce silk from specialized salivary glands and meticulously wrap themselves in it to form protective cocoons. This cocoon serves as their sanctuary during a motionless and vulnerable state. What makes silkworm silk truly extraordinary is its length – each cocoon can contain a single thread measuring anywhere between 300 to approximately 900 meters long. Such impressive raw material has made it an invaluable resource in textile production throughout history. The magnified view provided by SEM allows us to appreciate the intricate details of these fibers at x2120 magnification (x525 at 10cm wide). This mesmerizing image not only highlights nature's ingenuity but also underscores our deep connection with materials like silk that have shaped human civilization for millennia.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.